Ahead of the Wave

This message was originally emailed to students on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs on behalf of Vice Chancellor Dr. Christine Reed Davis.

Dear Seahawks, 

Welcome to the first edition of Ahead of the Wave! 

Each month I will be reaching out with a few thoughts about life at UNCW, opportunities and challenges you may be experiencing, and practical tips and resources to help you make the most of your time here. As your Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, I am committed to helping you navigate UNCW with confidence, and I hope this message helps with that journey. 

Over the past several days, I have met many students at different stages of their college experience ranging from first-year and transfer, to graduate and returning Seahawks. One thing many shared was a common feeling: excitement about the semester ahead paired with questions about finding their rhythm, building connections, and making the most of their time at UNCW.  

At its core, many of those questions come down to something simple: 

Where do I start? 

The good news is that belonging doesn't happen all at once. It develops through the experiences, relationships, and opportunities that help you grow.

Make a Splash

I encourage you to make a splash this month by finding a way to connect with the campus community. Attend an event, meet someone new, or explore a registered student organization you have been curious about.

Belonging is often built through small moments. A single step forward can create ripple effects that lead to meaningful friendships, opportunities, and a stronger sense of support throughout the semester and beyond.

Resource Spotlight: Campus Life

If you're looking for a place to start, Campus Life can help you connect through student organizations, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Success & Resource Centers, community engagement opportunities, and more. Be sure to explore WaveLink to discover upcoming events and involvement opportunities that match your interests.

You can also check out Healthy Hawks, UNCW's eight-dimension framework for wellbeing, to discover resources and strategies that support your success both inside and outside the classroom.

On the Horizon

• Involvement Fair | Tuesday, August 25, 2026
• Add/Drop Deadline | Wednesday, August 26, 2026
• Immunization Compliance Deadline | Complete Information in the Student Health Portal
• No Classes (University Holiday) | Monday, September 7, 2026

As you settle into the semester, take a few minutes to explore the Division of Student Affairs’ Strategic Plan: Student-Centered Excellence, Life-Long Impact. It outlines the vision guiding our work for the next five years. 

Whether you're beginning your first semester or coming back to UNCW for another semester, remember that you don't have to do college alone. There is a place for you here, and there are people all over campus who want to help you find support, build community, and succeed. 

In Seahawk Pride,

Dr. “CRD” Christine Reed Davis 

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs